Illinois YouthBuild Coalition, Inc.

Established in 1996 when many YouthBuild coalitions began forming around the country, the Illinois YouthBuild Coalition (IYBC) is one of thirteen state coalitions in the United States; it is supported by YouthBuild USA and the National YouthBuild Coalition. The coalition is comprised of the fifteen YouthBuild programs in Illinois (second most programs in the United States) as well as other youth-serving organizations with similar purposes.

*See "The Map" and "Our Programs" pages for more information.

What does YouthBuild do?

Illinois YouthBuild programs provide a range of services for at-risk youth ages 16-24, including:Education. An integrated curriculum of academics and life skills gives students the tools to succeed in all aspects of life. College instructors and YouthBuild staff help students attain a GED or a high school diploma. Job Training. Under the guidance of trained construction managers, students learn construction skills and gain work experience through work on affordable housing (see below for a demonstration on deconstruction by YouthBuild Rockford). Counseling. All students are given access to counseling in issues such as childcare, transportation, substance abuse, anger management, and gang affiliation.Job Placement. IYBC programs follow graduates for at least 2 years, providing assistance with resumes, interview preparation, test preparation, college applications, and trade union membership.Housing. The YouthBuild system is unique in that programs build affordable and environmentally sustainable housing. As a result, students leave the program with knowledge of green building techniques and get the chance to earn environmental certifications.

Deconstruction DemonstrationYouthBuild Rockford

Program Structure and Funding

YouthBuild programs are typically operated by public agencies and autonomous, community and faith-based organizations. In addition, over forty across the nation have become diploma granting, alternative schools. Though programs are responsible for securing their own funding, both public and private, many benefit from the federal funds first authorized in 1992 under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and now operated by the U.S. Department of Labor.